EIGHT-YEAR SENTENCE FOR ROBERT CHUBB, FORMER BRISTOL MINISTER WHO ABUSED BOYS
In June 2014, Robert Chubb, an 82-year-old former lay minister and school governor from Old Quarry Road, Shirehampton, was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually abusing two boys during the late 1960s and early 1970s.Chubb was convicted of 27 offences following a trial at Taunton Crown Court.
The abuse took place at his home in Shirehampton between March 1961 and November 1975.
The two boys, who did not know each other and were abused separately, ranged in age from nine to 15 years old.
During the time of the offences, Chubb held various roles within local churches and served as a school governor.
It was through his association with a local church that one of the victims was introduced to him.
Detective Sergeant Simon Whittaker, the investigating officer, explained: “Robert Chubb committed offences against one of the victims in 1961, while the second victim was subjected to regular abuse between 1969 and 1975.
Both victims came forward independently.
“The enduring memories of this horrific abuse remain with them into adulthood, and I commend their bravery in reporting these crimes to the police.
Their courage has been vital in bringing Chubb to justice.
“It's difficult to imagine how hard it must have been for them to keep these secrets but I am glad they found the strength to come forward and help us hold Chubb accountable.
“His actions were utterly abhorrent, particularly given his role of responsibility in the community.
“We are aware there is a significant gap of several years between the two sets of offences and we are concerned there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
“I hope Chubb’s conviction encourages other victims to contact us.
We are here to listen and can provide access to a range of support services.” The Rt Rev Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, expressed his distress: “I am truly very distressed and saddened to learn of Robert Chubb’s guilt in these serious crimes.
It deeply upsets me that the survivors had to endure such terrible experiences and feel betrayed.
“I commend their bravery in coming forward.
My thoughts and prayers are with them.
I hope that seeing justice served provides some comfort.” In addition to his prison sentence, Chubb will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and a prohibition order was issued banning him from working with children.
